The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep™ charity program, one of the Kentucky Derby’s most unique annual traditions, is honoring the Black jockeys who dominated horse racing in its early years.
A total of 100 julep cups* will be available for purchase. Cups numbered 1-11 are gold-plated and sell for $2,500 each. Cups 12-100 are silver-plated and sell for $1,000. Each cup is engraved with the name of one Black jockey and the year or years they won the Derby.
The cups were designed and hand-engraved by From the Vault jeweler in Louisville. Each comes in a bespoke purse designed by Louisville artist Albert Shumake — and each cup is cradled in decorative silk designed by Louisville artist Gwendolyn Kelly. Kelly’s custom pattern is the “four-man clover,” representing the interconnected network of support and strength among Black jockeys, trainers, and groomsmen. This year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 and $2,500 Mint Julep Cup sale features 100 cups, and net proceeds will go to the non-profit Project to Preserve African American Turf History (PPAATH).
“The jockeys played a significant role in horse racing that many people know little about, it’s time to honor them and their legacies. They each exemplified love for the sport and the pursuit of excellence, despite the inequality and injustice they faced throughout their lives and careers.” – Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller
Woodford Reserve always honors the best of Kentucky on Kentucky’s best day as the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby®. And this year, in partnership with Churchill Downs, they are celebrating the Derby on May 1.
Woodford Reserve®, is honoring “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” with the release of its 2021 commemorative Derby bottle.
It features the artwork of Louisville resident Richard Sullivan, a former professional baseball player. Sullivan’s stunning watercolor is of thoroughbreds as they thunder down the stretch. It was designed as a complement to last year’s Derby bottle artwork, which Sullivan also created.
The traditional Derby Day cocktail, and a southern ritual crafted from bourbon, simple syrup and mint.
2 OZ. Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 OZ. Simple Syrup
3 Fresh Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass.
STEP 2: To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice.
STEP 3: Stir.
STEP 4: Garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and powdered sugar.
ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF TWO KENTUCKY DERBY® PARTY AT HOME KITS!
First Prize: 2 tickets to the KY Derby 2022 (General Admission or better), Harlem Derby Designer Hat, Baccarat Derby 4 glass Set, Ice Bucket, Cocktail Picks, Boston Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Glass Decanter, Pour Spout, Coasters, Ice Cube Tray, Mallet, Muddler.
Second Prize: Designer Hat, Baccarat Derby 4 glass Set, Ice Bucket, Cocktail Picks, Boston Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Glass Decanter, Pour, Spout, Coasters, Ice Cube Tray, mallet, Muddler, and a $1,000 Mint Julep Cup.
sweet to end the meal. As Julia Child once said “A party without cake is just a meeting.” I’m not suggesting you HAVE to make a cake (although, I’ve been working on mastering one, recipe to come later!) but it’s nice to have something sweet for your guests. If you’re not a baker, don’t stress about it. You could honestly throw some peanut M&M’s in a bowl and call it a day. Just make sure you keep that bowl filled! In my opinion there are two ways to celebrate, with chocolate or with champagne, so don’t let your party go without either. This is another great way to work with the seasons. In winter think peppermint, in fall deep dark chocolatey flavors, but in spring and summer, I like to go with citrus. I rarely come across a person in life who doesn’t like lemon bars, and my favorite recipe is from the 
